This bill aims to enhance the regulation of products marketed as recyclable in New Jersey by prohibiting the sale, distribution, and import of such products unless they are determined to be widely recyclable by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Specifically, it establishes that any product or packaging making a deceptive or misleading claim about recyclability, particularly those displaying the "chasing arrows" symbol, will be considered a violation of the Consumer Fraud Act. The bill outlines exceptions for products manufactured within a specified timeframe after the DEP conducts or updates a material characterization study, which is mandated to identify recyclable materials and will be updated every five years.

Additionally, the bill requires the DEP to conduct a material characterization study by January 1, 2024, to evaluate and publish findings on recyclable materials in the state. It sets criteria for what constitutes recyclable products, including those collected by curbside recycling programs serving at least 60% of the state's population. The bill also excludes certain products containing hazardous substances from being deemed recyclable and allows the DEP to adopt regulations requiring recycling centers to report on their operations. Furthermore, it amends existing laws regarding the labeling of plastic bottles and containers to align with the new provisions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13:1E-99.41